#WakeUpGB

Rebuilding Trust in Our UK Democracy

Yes, it's a mess. But it's not too late!

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Capping Political Donations to Protect UK Democracy

Is Money Taking Over British Democracy?

  • Money speaks louder

    In a true democracy, every vote should matter equally. But in today’s UK politics, it often feels like money speaks louder than voters.

  • £700 million in donations

    Over the past ten years, political parties have received over £700 million in donations

  • £100 million per election

    In election years, donations spike dramatically £111 million in 2019, parties brought in 2024, nearly £98 million in 2024

  • Worst in Europe

    We are now considered one the worst in Europe when it comes to political donations through loopholes and hidden channels.

Who’s Giving the Money?

Big donations for influence

Donations don't often come from ordinary people. They come from:
  • Millionaires
  • Corporations
  • Trade unions
  • Lobbyists with specific interests

These donors often expect something in return for:

  • Influence for decisions
  • Access to politicians
  • Support for their business goals

What’s the Problem?

The Voter Polictician Divide

When parties rely too heavily on big donors:
  • Specific interests shape policy
  • Policies may favour donors, not the public
  • People stop believing their vote matters

What About New Parties?

Some newer or smaller parties—like Reform UK—attract large donations quickly. With enough money, they can amplify simple promises that sound good but don’t add up. Big cheques let them dominate the conversation, even if the ideas don’t stand scrutiny.

Recent Scandals Show How Donations and Bribes Undermine UK Democracy

Recent scandals have underscored how money and gifts continue to distort domestic UK politics:

Reform UK received a record £9 million donation from businessman Christopher Harborne, the largest ever political gift from a living donor, raising concerns about outsized influence on party agendas.

The Scale of the Problem

Transparency International UK key findings (2001-2024):

In total, 78,735 donations worth £1.19 billion were declared by parties from 2001-2024.

The Flawed Law

UK law caps spending only during elections, but donations remain unlimited year-round.

Candidates are limited to ~£20,000 – £30,000 and parties to ~£19m nationally during election campaigns. However in 2024 parties raised £97.7m in donations and spent £94.5m showing how war chests are built between elections to then fuel campaigns and exposing this legal cap as completely cosmetic.

Sources

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The Solution: A Fairer Funding Model

Our Vision for Funding

Old Vs New Funding System

Feature Current System Proposed Reform
Total party income ~£100m per year (2024) ❌ £80–£130m (vouchers + capped donations) ✔︎
Largest single donations £1m–£5m+ ❌ £1,000 maximum per donor ✔︎
Transparency threshold £7,500 (central), £1,500 (local) ❌ £200, declared within 7 days ✔︎
Public funding ~£10m (“Short Money” for opposition parties) ❌ Up to £192m via civic vouchers, voter-directed ✔︎
Access for new parties Minimal ❌ Equal access via vouchers ✔︎
Union donations Unlimited (via political funds, opt-out system) ❌ £1,000 cap, opt-in only, full member reporting ✔︎
Enforcement Electoral Commission, limited penalties ❌ Independent auditors with power to fine, ban, prosecute ✔︎

Expected Impact

Level the playing field between parties, regardless of donor networks.

  • Restore trust in political decision-making.
  • Strengthen transparency and reduce opportunities for corruption.
  • Give new parties a fair chance if they can win public support.
  • End special treatment: unions, corporations, and individuals all play by the same rules.

The Game Changing Petition

This reform will not happen unless the public demands it. Parliament will only act if MPs see that voters care about cleaning up political money.

That’s why the next step is simple:

  • At 10,000 signatures, the Government must respond.
  • We urge every citizen who believes democracy should be about people, not pounds, to sign and share this petition. It’s a small act with a big consequence: forcing MPs to face the question of whether they stand with voters or with donors.


Democracy is not for sale. Let’s prove it.

Make an impact today - Sign the Petition!

This would:

  • Level the playing field between parties.
  • End the dominance of wealthy donors and vested interests.
  • Give new and smaller parties a fair chance to grow.
  • Restore public trust in politics by ensuring funding comes from voters, not big money.

Democracy should be about people, not pounds. We urge Parliament to debate and adopt this reform to protect UK democracy from being bought.

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Number of people that have signed the petition: